The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has paid out more than $16.5 million for injuries related to outdoor activities in the Bay of Plenty over the first ten months of 2024, new figures reveal.
Road cycling and mountain biking injuries accounted for over $10 million of the total. Specifically, $6.8 million was spent on road cycling injuries, while mountain biking claims reached $3.7 million. Injuries from swimming and surfing contributed an additional $6 million in payouts.
The Bay of Plenty, home to some of New Zealand’s top outdoor recreation spots, sees high numbers of injuries each summer. Rotorua’s famous Whakarewarewa Forest mountain biking trails and the beaches around Mount Maunganui attract thrill-seekers, but also present significant injury risks.
According to ACC, outdoor recreational activities, particularly in the summer months, lead to a “major spike” in injuries, prompting the corporation to launch an injury prevention campaign targeting these activities. National figures show that around 70,000 people nationwide are injured each year while engaging in summer recreation.
“We want New Zealanders to enjoy their summer – whether it’s at the beach, on the mountain bike trails, or on the sports field,” said James Whitaker, ACC’s injury prevention leader. “But you don’t want to spend your summer holiday in A&E.”
ACC Claims Breakdown in the Bay of Plenty
From January to November 1, 2024, the ACC processed 2,430 new claims related to road cycling in the Bay of Plenty, costing $6.8 million. Meanwhile, 574 claims for mountain biking injuries totaled $3.7 million, 607 claims for swimming injuries amounted to $4.1 million, and 715 claims for surfing injuries came to $1.9 million.
In comparison, 2023 saw 2,706 claims for road cycling ($7.3 million), 596 for mountain biking ($3.6 million), 579 for swimming ($5.2 million), and 764 for surfing ($2.5 million).
Water-Related Deaths And Drowning Risks
The Bay of Plenty has also seen tragic drownings this summer. On Christmas Day, 41-year-old Hikato Maaka died after jumping into Ōhiwa Harbour. A second fatality occurred on January 2, when a man drowned off Ōmaio Beach in the Ōpōtiki District. His identity has not been disclosed.
Nationally, Water Safety New Zealand reports that on average, one person drowns every three days during the summer. So far this season, nine drownings have been recorded.
Factors that increase the risk of drowning include not wearing a lifejacket, drinking alcohol or using drugs near water, being too far from children in aquatic environments, and underestimating beach conditions. Many drownings happen when people are wading or playing in water and can be knocked over by strong waves or currents.
Water Safety New Zealand urges people to follow essential survival tips, including learning to float, swimming in designated safe areas with lifeguards, never swimming alone, and always knowing how to signal for help.
The organization also stresses the importance of remembering the simple motto: “If in doubt, stay out.”
Surf Life Saving New Zealand has described January as the most “dangerous” month for water safety, underlining the importance of vigilance during the busy summer period.
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